Located just a few miles south of the horse capital of the world, the Asbury University Department of Equine Studies strives for its students to become Christ centered leaders in the equine industry. The unique location of the program allows for limitless opportunities for students to excel in their equine related education at Asbury, and to gain practical experience on the many local farms and businesses.
What started as the dream of one man in 1978 has today grown into a 341 acre facility which strives to create the next generation of Equine industry leaders. The farm has become a place where dreams come true and lives are touched. For some students, it is either a ministry tool or their connecting point. For others, it is their calling. The Equine Department allows for students to pursue their interests, whether in Equine Studies, Equine Assisted Services, or Equine Science (Pre-Veterinarian Medicine).
From Asbury’s Campus, head south on Lexington Ave out of Wilmore, going toward Highbridge. Just past Mile Marker 4, the second right, is Shanty Hill Lane. Turn right onto Shanty Hill Lane and travel for 1/2 mile. At the sharp left turn in the road turn right onto the blacktop driveway through the red gate. Follow the driveway which dead-ends at the equine center.
The Asbury University Equine Center is located on 341 Acres which consists of pasture fields, trails, 2 round pens, 4 horse barns, 2 indoor riding arenas, and two outdoor riding areas.
In October 2022, Asbury University completed construction on a 29,000-square-foot Henry and Elsie Bayless Arena, a new facility that includes 26 stalls and a Western riding arena. The facility also has two bathrooms, storage and tack rooms, and space for portable seating. It frees up the three current barns for other uses in the growing program, including for the Equine Assisted Services major. The Henry and Elsie Bayless Arena also allows for more students to board their horses at the university, creating an additional revenue stream for the educational programs.
The Rainwater barn is used as the main education focused barn on the property. This barn holds 14 stalls, several offices, a classroom, a meeting room, multiple tack rooms, storage space, and restrooms.
The indoor riding arena, which is attached to the tan barn, contains a 72’x180’ riding area which has been footed with polytrack thanks to a donation from the Keeneland race track. The arena also contains a permanent handicap ramp to aid in therapeutic riding.
Built in the 1950’s, this barn is original to the property as a tobacco barn. Through the hard work and dedication of students and staff, this barn now houses 11 stalls, a hayloft, and a tack room. It is a multipurpose space, primarily used for school horses.
Built in the summer of 2016, the Boarder barn was added to satisfy the growing needs of students wanting to bring their own horses to college. It has 21 active stalls and is designated solely for student boarders.
Both outdoor riding arenas allow students to enjoy the weather while working with the horses in a variety of footings.
There are 2 round pens that are located on the property. There is one permanent wood round pen, and the other one is a temporary round pens.
Located around the equine center is over 6 miles worth of trails, ranging from beginner to advanced level. The miles of trails allow for a beautiful view of the Kentucky River and the Palisades.
Equine Center
(859) 858-5262
equine@asbury.edu
In 2001, through participation with the National Police Horse Colloquium at the Kentucky Horse Park, Asbury University students began training Percheron/Thoroughbred crossed horses to be used for service mount units. Asbury University is the only university in America with a police horse training program conducted by the students.
The colts are started with ground lessons of imprinting and leading, as well as several round-pen exercises and desensitization to various objects and obstacles. As 2-year-olds, the horses are ridden, learning their balance with a rider at the walk, trot and canter, then advance to additional strange noises and obstacles. The horses continue to be trained by Asbury expert trainers and students through the ages of 3- or 4-years-old and then are sold to service units around the United States and Canada.
Most Asbury University Service Mount horses are geldings, with the exception of a few mares, and hand-selected for their calm dispositions. The horses are trained “hands-on” each day by the students of the Asbury Equine Department. This structure results in safe, reliable mounts ready for active duty.
“We really couldn’t be more pleased and blessed with the leadership opportunity this provides for our students or the amazing, unequaled quality of horses that are being sent from Asbury University — across the United States — to serve alongside the brave men and women who protect us daily as part of mounted units,” said Harold Rainwater, former Asbury Equine Director.
Designed for 18- to 21-year old students with special needs, the Jessamine Connection program gives these students the opportunity to study, work and socialize with others in their own age group. They go to classes, work in offices on and off campus, and some take horseback riding lessons.
Phillip Riley was one of the program’s first riders. When he began, he needed two side-walkers and a leader. He progressed to riding unassisted in several state Special Olympic Games. In 2001, after three years of riding, he represented the state of Kentucky in the International Special Olympics in Dublin, Ireland. He returned home with a bronze medal.
Since Phillip, the Jessamine Connection riding program has had many other students become interested in horses and compete in the Special Olympics in Kentucky.
Each year, the University’s equine program has taken at least two riders, horses and coaches to the Olympics. “It’s amazing to work with each one of them and exciting to see how happy it is for them to compete,” exclaimed Michelle Lynch ’06 Arnold, one of the student coaches in 2004.
The adopt-a-horse program matches students in the equine program with a horse to care for the horse in a growth-oriented, hands-on experience. Participating students spend a few hours during scheduled times, to help care for and build a trusting relationship with these animals God has created.
Career Opportunities
Many interesting, fulfilling and lucrative career paths lie within the equine industry. If you love riding and caring for horses, you can turn your talents and passion into a lifetime of working closely with these powerful and hardworking creatures.
Valuing the power of industry connection and experience, many equine majors require students to complete an internship program as part of the curriculum. Students in our equine majors can begin both work experiences and leadership projects right on campus or in Asbury’s expansive backyard of Wilmore, Kentucky and nearby Lexington.
Each equine major is required to complete EQ 435, a field experience/internship opportunity to help strengthen their resume and create a new connection in the industry.
Taylor Made Farm- Groom Nicholasville, KY
Taylor Made Bloodstock Agency- Photographer/videographer Nicholasville, KY
Makers Mark Secretariat Center- Trainer/Groom Lexington, KY
Kentucky Horse Park – Equine Worker, Horses of the World & Draft Horse Division Lexington, KY
While we don’t use horses and buggies to get around much these days, horses are still ridden recreationally and professionally. Whether it’s training horses for high-level competitions, instructing amateur riders, guiding the general community on trail rides or riding in shows to earn prize money, the following careers are great ways to work with horses daily:
If your dream job is to become a professional horseback rider or trainer in any of these roles, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the field of equine studies or equine science can ensure you gain hands-on training in the care and training of horses.
Daily, hands-on care of horses is a crucial aspect of equine enterprises. Farriers are experts at hoof care, and grooms perform a variety of daily maintenance tasks. Additionally, there are professionals in equine nutrition and equine medicine who are trained to maintain the health and wellness of horses under their care.
Studying equine science, a subset of equine studies, one becomes prepared with essential knowledge and applications of equine anatomy, physiology and pharmacology to pursue the qualifying further education of professional career paths like equine pharmacist or veterinarian of equine medicine.
Professional therapists and mental health workers are also employed within the equine industry. These individuals work to design and execute animal-assisted treatment plans for patients and participants with a variety of needs. This growing sector, called equine-assisted therapeutics, truly illustrates the vast abilities of horses and other equines to be a part of emotional and physical therapy for humans.
While earning a bachelor’s degree in equine studies, with a specialization in equine-assisted therapeutics, can help students find entry-level employment at some facilities, professional therapists, mental health counselors and other professional or director-level roles require graduate education and certification. Learn more about Equine Assisted Services Bachelor’s Degree Program at Asbury.
Those with education in equine studies, equine science or breeding management can find career opportunities in the industry’s various business environments. Whether it’s managing a working farm or barn or contributing to the success of a professional racetrack or breeding facility, those equipped with the necessary financial skills and experience in business administration practices can become leaders and decision-makers in the field.
Sales and marketing are large portions of the broader equine industry. There are job opportunities in marketing and selling of an equine organization’s services, facilitating the sale of horses to new owners and selling bulk feed or other resources to barns and tracks, just to name a few.
To work in equine sales, you’ll need extensive knowledge of the physical condition of equines as well as the specific needs and goals of the industry. In Asbury’s equine programs, there’s flexibility to learn business strategies and enhanced communication skills alongside extensive equine knowledge. The following are some job titles in this equine career path:
Anyone motivated to pursue advanced positions in the business side of the industry could open further management or executive-level opportunities by attending graduate school in business, accounting, marketing or related fields.
Yes, equine major/minor students can board their horse at the Asbury University Equine facilities. There are two types of board available: stall/pasture and stall/private paddock. Contact the Department of Equine Studies for prices and availability.
No, the University provides horses and all equipment needed for riding and classes.
The equine facility is located two miles from the main campus. A van is available for transportation for requested classes. Outside of class, you can usually find another student with a car heading out to the farm.
Yes, there are nominal additional course fees for all classes involving horses.
Yes, equine students who qualify for work-study can be employed at the farm throughout the school year or in other locations on campus. We may not have enough work for all students requesting work-study hours on the farm. There may be work opportunities available during the weeks of our summer programs.
We have beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes that use both disciplines. Students may ride according to their individual interest.
Yes, we have several programs that use horses in ministry such as the Providence School (EAGALA) program and Jessamine Connection (special needs adults).